2015 Audi A3 Aims for US Luxury Buyers Looking to Downsize

NASHUA, N.H., April 3, 2013 — Though it was the Audi A3 that first established the luxury compact segment that now includes the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Buick Verano, the car will soon be receiving dramatic changes to appeal to American buyers, who are increasingly downsizing their rides. Currently available in its original Sportback body style, the Audi A3 will be marketed primarily as a sedan when 2015 models arrive at Audi dealers at the beginning of next year.

Unveiled to journalists last week before the New York International Auto Show, the 2015 Audi A3 sedan will be 6.5 inches longer and will grow by two inches in its wheelbase compared to the existing Sportback, appealing to Americans' preference for spacious interiors. The sedan's larger proportions closely resemble those of the original Audi A4 from 1994, but with four turbocharged four-cylinder drivetrain options under the hood, buyers will find much more advanced technology in the new Audi A3.

"With its 2015 A3, Audi is responding to a growing trend where U.S. car shoppers, even luxury buyers, are turning to smaller rides for improved fuel efficiency and practicality," said Larry Bedell, general manager of Audi of Nashua, a New Hampshire Audi dealer. "However, most of those luxury buyers prefer a traditional sedan style versus a hatchback, and they still expect the amenities and performance found in larger vehicles."

The 2015 Audi A3 sedan will come standard with a 170-horsepower 1.8-liter TFSI engine, while an efficient 2.0-liter TDI clean diesel unit will be available. A 2.0-liter TFSI will power the Audi A3 quattro, and a higher-output version of the same engine is slated for the first-ever S3 performance model. Though a hatchback body style will return later on for the 2015 model year, it will only be sold as the new A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid.

Regardless of body style, the 2015 Audi A3 will feature an abundance of in-car technology, including the standard MMI infotainment system, optional 4G LTE connectivity and an available Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. Meanwhile, new Audi drive select technology will allow owners to tailor throttle response, shift points and steering to their driving style by choosing from Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual settings.

"We expect the new Audi A3 to attract a lot of first-time luxury buyers, and they will be getting many of the same advanced features found in vehicles that cost twice as much," Bedell noted. "Audi was a trailblazer in the compact luxury segment, and now it is innovating once again as buyers' expectations for smaller cars continue to grow."

About Audi of Nashua:
A five-time winner of Audi's prestigious Magna Society award, Audi of Nashua invites those in search of the world's finest vehicles to explore its inventory of new and used Audi cars for sale. New Hampshire Audi owners will also find a complete selection of Audi parts and accessories, as well as expert Audi service from factory-trained technicians. Discover the quality, performance and engineering that make every Audi special by checking out their inventory at www.audinashua.com, liking them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/audiofnashua, or calling their dealership, located at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, N.H., at 888-475-5701.